A Window To Our World

Be Safe!

2009-09-25T07:28:00.003-06:00

Living a dangerous life? I mean is your workplace or business requires safety products? T.A.S.C.O. (Texas America Safety Company) has it all! Take note, their middle name is "Safety" and that guarantees you, you'll only get the best safety products that you needed! Even for projects at home that requires safety glasses or gloves, they have it all! Their business has been around for almost 20years and only quality products that they supply throughout US! Easy navigation website - tasco-safety.com and yeah, shop online today and save a trip from the store!

Balikbayan Box

2009-09-25T07:22:00.002-06:00

I wish I saved the pictures that my sister shared with me! It's always better to blog when there's pictures involve, I think! The photos really says it all! The day they got the box which was last weekend, my niece who is turning 2 surprised everbody how she reacted with all the goodies I sent! My mom told me she got all excited and won't let go of all the stuff in her hands. I've been asking if everything fits her but they say they couldn't try on all the clothes coz once she got something on, she'll throw a tantrum if you try to undress her,LoL! I am just glad the box arrived! Although it cost me about $115 for shipping plus everything inside the box of course cost me hundreds of dollars...it's worth every penny just to see everybody happy!!!

All The Small Things

2009-09-24T08:30:00.003-06:00

That's what counts most, the small stuff, isn't it? I noticed that almost every week we make a trip to the Home Improvement Stores or Hardware Stores. It's typical I guess when you are renovating your house. There's always something that we needed and even the smallest things can be very expensive! It all adds up! ALl the screws and bolts, nails, paint and brushes, furnace and AC filters, water softener and all that...Yep, gotta have it all since this house has been neglected and needs a lot of work! There are days I can't stand the mess but I know it's part of renovating and it's been a year since I'm dealing with the whole thing. We are not even half way there! Well, I know it's all coming together and patience is a virtue but blah blah blah...it gets to you when you just want a nice, clean and relaxing place to come home to!

Summer Memories

2009-09-24T08:14:00.005-06:00

Me and my girls spent a lot of time in the sun this summer and I will surely miss that! I try to spend most of my time outdoors while it's still nice and warm. Coming from a hot and humid country, I should be happy with the cold weather here since I complain a lot about the heat in the Philippines years ago! BUT no, I miss that summer all year long...I hate the cold weather, dealing with winter is such a pain but the snow is lovely though...Well, now that I am in a 4-season country, I try to enjoy every season and most especially I take advantage of the summer by going outdoor swimming a lot!!!

Getting Back

2009-09-24T08:04:00.003-06:00

For years and years, I have mentioned about trying to get back to school again. I really thought I didn't need to finish my studies once I got married and I know it's all wrong...Now, it makes me feel like an idiot thinking that way. If I could turn back time, I could have at least finished one degree that I've started! Oh well, nothing I can do about the past but something I should do for my future which is to start going back to school!

A mother of two like me and working part-time indeed has enough trouble in my hands but if others can do it, why can't I! Like everybody says, there are Masters degrees online take Gonzaga University Online as one! I looked into this university and first thing I noticed is the fact that it has been ranked number 3 in the West by US and World Report! Now, that tells you it is one of top nation's best universities! I have a hard time choosing which degree I should pursue and add to that is the University I should consider. If you feel the same way, let's go ahead and check out gonzagaonline.com!

A Little Update or More!

2009-04-09T18:13:00.006-06:00

Even if I'm not making entries everyday, I'm around checking things out once in a while. Just don't have that luxury of time like I used to. I love how my life is right now - working has been really helpful for me (mentally and physically) I think it has helped me in a good way. Let's face it, working at a minimum wage is not something I am proud of but the heck...I am enjoying every minute of it! I think the real thing is...I didn't work for the money, it's for my health-being! Although I love my family deeply, there's a need to be away in a couple of hours and being at work has helped me appreciate them even more and life in general...

As of now, I don't have any friends around here so, I still drive maybe once a week to Columbus and see my friends {other times they come over and visit me} It isn't that bad as I thought it would be. As a matter of fact, our friendship has been stronger than ever. Only thing that's missing really is my mother here. I got over the farm house {although it kinda get into me sometimes} I have learned to accept that "Rome isn't built in one day" so, patience patience and we'll soon have a comfy cozy home...we just have about a couple of wks left at the apartment and we'll be busy again packing and moving while the other house near Columbus is looking great with the new roof - just can't sell it this time.

No news left to share just the fact that I am almost always on at facebook so, I guess none of these are new to my facebook friends,hehehe!

You Could Win These!!!

2009-03-25T16:18:00.006-06:00

Anyone out there who loves to cook or bake? Whether you do it for fun or a hobby or even as business...it doesn't matter! As long as you know how to turn that oven on! Here's your chance to win BIG BIG items from Frigidaire Professional Series Kitchen Appliances!!! It's so simple - all you have to do is to create your own recipe incorporating Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls. This "On A Roll" Recipe Contest is open to anyone who could submit their original recipe at sisterschuberts.com and you could win these:

Now, I really need all that for our kitchen which is almost done in a week or so! So, I better start creating a recipe using the most tasty and ready-to-bake rolls ever made by Sister Schubert and you should too AND one more thing...

We all want to spend quality time with our family even with our hectic schedule, right? Doing things together with my kids is one great way for us to have that quality time. Now, what about you? If you can share your best story and you could win a gift basket with goodies worth $45! Oh yes - we love goodies, don't we? So, it's that simple, go to "Quality Time" Story Contest right now!

So many cool stuff out there not just their products and to be honest, I love baking but just don't have enough motivation to make it from scratch. Let's face it, moms nowadays got their hands full and we still want to prepare great food for the family so, that's why I'm thankful that there are ready-to-bake products out there and most especially Sister Schubert's Cinnamon rolls which is my family's favorite! My kids are quite picky with cinnamon rolls, I tried the ones out from the local grocery store and every time, they just don't like it but with Sister Schubert's rolls, the moment we had one bite, we can't get enough! Now, this is something I could have for parties, Thanksgiving, or Christmas and I am sure, it would be a hit and they'd be asking where I got those rolls! Try it and you'll see what I mean!

Gym & Swim

2009-03-25T16:02:00.005-06:00

I've been looking for an extra curricular activities for my youngest Katie whom I feel bad for leaving her at home with me and hubby working and Jessica in school. Well, not all day that we're not around with her but still, I feel like she needs something for herself too! Good thing there's Preschool Gym and Swim at the Y so, I signed her up for this 5wk program. She missed the 1st day since she was sick but the 2nd day, she fit right in and enjoyed a whole hour of gym fun and another 1 hr open swim at the kiddie pool that's like a playground! This is really something that parents should sign their preschoolers so, look into your local gym and they might have it! For her 3rd time there, instead of an open swim, they gave them a swimming lesson on the 2nd hour of the program.

Root Law Group

2009-03-17T09:13:00.002-06:00

That's the name you can trust when you need immigration lawyers! It is very important to find experienced and reliable lawyers and they know what to do exactly! With a motto "No Problem is Unsolvable" you know you've come to the right place! They deal with all aspects related to US Immigration. I've went through all that process and believe me, it's not that simple. I am just lucky I did not have any major problems at all. Mostly are just minor that kinda take some time to solve. Same thing for my parents, thank God it ran smoothly for my dad but unfortunately, my mom's petition is on hold. We are just waiting for the right time - when my father could get a full-time job and in that way, they can both have health insurance coverage and it would be an easy transition for my mom. I know that time will come this year so, it's all about being patient and careful especially with this tough economy!

Too See Each Other Again

2009-03-17T08:19:00.003-06:00

Ever since our move, the time spent with my kid's friends has really decreased. Aside from being far away, it's also me and my friend's schedule that is hard to kinda meet. It's not like when I wasn't working, I could just go there anytime no matter how far. That's why kids were really excited when I mentioned their friends are coming over here for a visit! I met the whole family out at Bob Evans for lunch and everybody kinda hang out here at our place then we later left off to check the Outlet Mall. My dad and her mom were both left to watch our kids and funny thing is, I set them up with some movies and they never had a chance to watch it coz u know how one kid could surely occupy your time and add 3 more!hehehe! These are days that I surely miss this! Seems like more than twice a month we can do this but now, lucky to see once a month = (

Need Prints!!!

2009-03-02T15:18:00.004-05:00

No matter how many pictures I share with my mom, still missing something...the prints! She loves to have them in an album and carry it around with her, you know...to show to her friends and our relatives. That way, it's easy for her to just pull out an album rather than remembering my flickr account and sharing it to them,hehehe! I don't know when was the last time I have my photos printed. My memory card takes a lot of photos but I keep uploading them on my pc and deleting on the camera to take more shots. Since, it's in the pc, the thought of "someday" comes in...someday I can put it all in the CD and have them printed out! I know I'm not alone in this matter, for sure!hehehe!

When Is It Going to be SPRING???

2009-03-02T15:12:00.002-05:00

We keep hoping for warm weather and it never comes, well a teaser last week for just 2 days and now it's back to freezing temperature again! At work, everyone coming in and telling me how cold it is and I know for sure especially getting out at 430 in the morning!!! Everybody couldn't wait for spring and I don't know how many weeks left of this cold weather. Good thing is, there's no snow on the ground, no hail and ice storm...yeah, trying to be positive here, am I?

I Lost It!

2009-03-02T14:15:00.002-05:00

No, not my sanity...I still have it, sometimes!LoL! BUT it's about the Garmin GPS that I lost! Such a shame, we had some good times together, really good times! It was the greatest tool for a lady like me who drives everywhere and now I bother hubby again for directions,LoL! I don't know where I lost it. At the farm, at the old house, at my friend's house or here at the apartment! tsk...tsk...tsk! I tell yah - once u have it, you can't afford to loose it! So, now I just miss it so bad and maybe in my next pay check I'll buy one...nahhh! Just wait for my bday and ask that for a present from hubby,LoL!

Squeezing IN!!!

2009-03-02T14:14:00.002-05:00

Trying to squeeze blogging today and it sure is a busy day for me...I woke up @ 4am to get ready for work and right after work, I stepped into my child's school to do a lunch volunteer work then got back home and grab a bite for lunch and started typing away to finish my blogging tasks and I'm half way there...I got 20mins to wrap this up so, I could pick up my daughter from school. Later, I need to head out back to the gym for the "abs attack" class I'm trying to commit like at least 2-3times a wk. I'd really really love to do my groceries but I need to finish another tasks after that and head early to bed coz another early day at work tomorrow! Well, it's going to be slow some other day esp. on my day off! We'll see!

Where's My Traffic?

2009-03-02T12:47:00.002-05:00

I noticed an incredible loss in my traffic site ever since I slowed down on blogging. Well, there were so many websites out there where you can sign up, meet other bloggers, get more visits and all that and I pretty much don't have the time for that. For business owners who runs a site, the ultimate goal really is to have more sales. Well, for starter, you gotta have an easy to remember web address and of course an eye-catching page {well not so much of the graphics coz it can overwhelm some people, you know what I mean?} Anyways, the best way really to get higher traffic is what they call CRO {conversion rate optimization} and this somehow would benefit you by persuading site visitors to make a purchase, subscribe to a newsletter or offering a donation. If you are interested to learn more how this works and how you can benefit from it, visit websiteoptimization.com today!

Lunch Volunteer

2009-03-02T12:41:00.002-05:00

You're probably wondering what's that title all about. Well, coming back from my kid's school, it made me feel like sharing it to the world what "lunch volunteer" means in her school. I don't know, just want to share that's all, LoL! It's where moms spend a good one hour of their time to help out in the class during the kid's lunch break. Sounds simple? Yeah, it is but hard to keep those kids from talking {should be eating of course}. Well, they have this system where I can turn off the light that means they are talking too much or too loud and it seems to work to keep them quiet {well at least for a minute,LoL}. We also try to make sure they don't eat the dessert first, hard to resist for a kid huh? The funny part is, I always bring my youngest with me at a lunch volunteer and seems like she want to be part of the class and sits with the kids so, I packed her lunch too so, she can join in with the rest,hehehe!

Daydreaming

2009-02-20T09:25:00.002-05:00

The only escape I could have is to daydream...daydream about having a nice vacation and thinking about some nice beach vacation rentals! Oh yeah - that's the kind of thing I like for a getaway! Growing up near the ocean makes me love the beach! It's like a place where I could be a kid again and reminisce the good 'ol days! The sound of waves and wind is so relaxing to me and just a walk or glance of the beach makes me feel like the world is mine! Ahhhh...I miss it so bad!!! Last May during my Philippine's trip, I didn't want to get out of the beach when it was time to go back home. I was enjoying every minute of the smell of the sea and the feel of the sand brushing through my skin...well, I know that's too much details but that's how I love the sea! So, let me have my daydreaming for now...LoL!

The Old Photographs

2009-02-20T09:05:00.004-05:00

I dunno what got into me that I kinda got away from being updated on my photos, blogging entries and all that...I guess it's the change of phase I'm going through {nacks!} or simply just getting burn out from all that. Today is the day when I had the interest to check into my files and found some old photos {well, not that old...just about 2 months ago} when my kids got some more post presents for Christmas from their tita Nona and tito Mike! Opening presents always excite them so I grabbed my camera and took some snaps...where did the Christmas go? It was just like a dream one night and now it's all over...hehehe!

Mentioning Home Improvement...

2009-02-20T08:52:00.002-05:00

from the below entry, you can tell how frustrated I am! If only I have the money, I'd hire lots of people to get things done. Hubby could but he's tightening his belt with this tough economy...he's scared to spend any money! Oh don't want to get into that. I might just start nagging again and push him to hire some people and not just rely on his time and my father...it's crazy! I tell yah! Well, the only positive thing in my mind is...someday it will be a nice comfy place to live and I'm just envisioning on my mind the furniture and final touches inside the house. It's all about nice couches, dining, lighting, Window Blinds and window treatments that will make it all homey! Just couldn't wait for that time to come!

Farm House Update

2009-02-20T08:47:00.002-05:00

I am not really thrilled when it comes to talking about the farm house. The other way around for my husband. Quite frankly, we see things differently! Like say he sees a lot of things done out there but for me whenever I go visit the farm house, I feel like nothing is done at all! You know how it is when there's major renovations. You can just imagine all the tools laying around, wood, machines and all that! Now that the basement is all done {but not furnished} they are working on the kitchen since I told hubby, I won't move til I have a brand new kitchen! I know I sound like a nagger and demanding wifey but just dealing with kids, chores and work, don't think it's a healthy environment at all without any kitchen. Imagine we are using the bathroom sink as our kitchen sink! Kitchen is a must, that's for sure! My mom asked me to take pics but I just don't want to. I don't see anything to be proud of but I know the boys are doing such hard labor and such a great job! I should compliment them for all that. I guess all I wanted is to see the frosting done in a cake, KWIM?

Winter Can Be Fun!

2009-02-20T08:17:00.002-05:00

Although the winter season is kinda getting into my nerves nowadays {having to deal with cold and windy weather is not fun at all} but then there are ways to enjoy and take advantage of this season! I'm talking about skiing, sledding and building snowman. Well, I was hoping I could experience skiing unfortunately, one friend didn't make it and I don't want to ruin our plans. Want it to experience the 1st time with her so, I'm still waiting for the next plan...Well, as for my kids, they love snow no matter how cold it is!

My youngest couldn't resist grabbing a handful every time we go outside and as I was browsing through my old files...I found some photos I took I think last month and I thought of sharing it here! It was quite fun coz I asked hubby if he could pull me and he was really dying, I tell yah! That killed him and the sledding ended bcoz I took so much energy out from him,LoL!

I Miss Traveling!

2009-02-19T19:32:00.002-05:00

It's not that long ago that I went somewhere far...oh just a thousand miles away from here,hehehe! BUT I really do miss the days when like twice a month we are somewhere far away from here. It's mostly business travels but me and the kids could always sneak with hubby and take that trip. Now that my eldest is in school and with my part-time work, it's impossible to sneak it in! So sad...oh well, just have to make those special trips go around some of our schedules and I know that's tough to make it work!

Wherever you may go, whatever trips you make...make sure you get some insurance and of course, have a travel insurance quotes available at your hands before you make that trip! Just a suggestion!

Oh My Sweet Tooth!

2009-02-19T19:25:00.003-05:00

Every once in a while I crave for something really really sweet! Just today, I stopped by at the store to get some cookies and baked it! Oh these are just the days when I couldn't stop craving for it and I gotta have it!!! Well, the cookies hit the right spot but made me crave for even more sweets!!! So, I just fulfill my cravings by looking online for sweet treats and found this recipe!

Chocolate Crinkles:

4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter

8 ounces (225 grams) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Topping:

1 cup (110 grams) confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted

In a stainless steel bowl, over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the eggs and sugar until thick, pale, and fluffy. (When you slowly raise the beaters the batter will fall back into the bowl in slow ribbons.) At this point beat in the vanilla extract and then stir in the melted chocolate mixture.

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm enough to shape into balls (3-4 hours or overnight).

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (170 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside.

Place the confectioners sugar in a shallow bowl. With lightly greased hands, roll a small amount of chilled dough to form a 1 inch (2.54 cm) diameter ball. Place the ball of dough into the confectioners sugar and roll the ball in the sugar until it is completely coated and no chocolate shows through. Gently lift the sugar-covered ball, tapping off excess sugar, and place on prepared baking sheet. Continue forming cookies, spacing about 2 inches (5 cm) apart on baking sheets. (If you find the dough getting too soft for rolling into balls, return to the refrigerator and let chill until firm.)

Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or just until the edges are slightly firm but the centers are still soft. (For moist chewy cookies do not over bake. Over baking these cookies will cause them to be dry.) Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

These cookies are best eaten the day they are baked.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Recipe from joyofbaking.com

Where's The Romance???

2009-02-19T19:18:00.002-05:00

After almost 8 years being married...I hate to admit, romance is almost out the door now! Well, I can't really say that...hubby occasionally surprises me with sweet goodies for no special ocassion at all, random hugs and kisses are thrown at each other so, needless to say, we are still hopelessly romantic in our own little way! Just those romantic getaway is something unattainable for us! The idea of every night sleeping together {like honeymooners} is not for real with our hectic lives. I even think of some sexy costumes to put on but oh well, just thoughts! I don't think we need to wait for Valentine's day or anniversary dates to do something special like that...anyday would be perfect for sure, right? Now, where did I put that costume?! As if I have one!Hahahahah!

What Do Kids Play Nowadays?

2009-02-19T19:12:00.002-05:00

Well, aside from play stations and Wii...what do they really like to play nowadays? With my kids, they're still attracted to those traditional fun toys that doesn't require batteries or power plugs. I know that technology has a lot to offer now not only to make life easier but also fun! Well, I don't know, somehow techie toys jumps out at my head and I just have to search for it! Just found some stuff here and just interested to know more about it. Well, hey! you'll never know, you might need to grab one for your niece or nephew at their coming bday party or even your own kids!